The Town of Colorado City, Arizona, has finalized an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Apple Valley, Utah, allowing Colorado City police officers to cross state lines to provide law enforcement services. This new arrangement, effective July 1, expands upon a similar framework already in place between Colorado City and Hildale, Utah.
Officer Certification and Legal Authority
Because all Colorado City officers hold dual certification in both Arizona and Utah, they are able to legally exercise full law and enforcement authority on either side of the state line. Under the agreement, officers working in Apple Valley will operate under the rights and authority granted by Utah law, while the Colorado City Police Chief will oversee both jurisdictions.
Addressing Apple Valley Service Gaps
The agreement addresses a gap in Apple Valley's current services, as the town does not have its own police department and has previously relied on the Washington County Sheriff's Office for patrol and general policing. Through this new intergovernmental agreement, Apple Valley will have an alternative path to dedicated coverage through a neighboring agency.
Washington County Sheriff's Continued Role
Sgt. Lucas Alfred of the Washington County Sheriff's Office stated that the Sheriff's Office will continue to provide backup assistance as needed and noted a positive working relationship with the Colorado City/Hildale Police Department. He suggested that questions regarding the reasons for changing providers should be directed to town officials.
New Justice Court Services Agreement
In addition to policing, Apple Valley is entering a separate interlocal agreement with Hildale for justice court services, also effective July 1. This arrangement will see Hildale operate a justice court handling criminal and small claims matters for both towns, based at Hildale City Hall.
History of Intergovernmental Negotiations
Apple Valley Mayor Mike Farrar noted that the discussions for this joint arrangement began roughly a year ago. He credited Colorado City Police Chief Radley with being instrumental in organizing the effort alongside Mayors Donia Jessop of Hildale and Howard Ream of Colorado City.
Improving Highway Safety on Route 59
Farrar identified highway safety on State Route 59 as the primary catalyst for these talks, citing years of resident complaints regarding speeding, unsafe passing, and slow-moving vehicles that have resulted in numerous crashes. While Farrar had requested action from the Utah Department of Transportation for nearly three years, agency plans are not scheduled to begin until 2027. The new agreement seeks to provide a more immediate solution by placing a single police department in charge of patrolling the highway corridor from Apple Valley's Cinder Hill turnoff through Colorado City.
Under the terms of the agreement, Colorado City will continue to employ and equip all officers, with the Police Chief responsible for overseeing personnel. While the town is starting with a limited scope due to budget constraints, Farrar expressed hope to expand patrol frequency by early next year and intends to enforce zero tolerance for infractions within Apple Valley town limits.
The agreement remains on an open-ended term, requiring twelve months' written notice from either party for termination. The main police facility will remain located at 50 North Colvin Street in Colorado City.
